Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Review

I dare say, this one stomps on the Gundam Series and then flips it off, adding insult to injury. This series became one of my most favorite anime series of all time right after I finished the last episode. "Who the hell do you think I am?!"

Story: 10/10

The story is set far into the future where human beings are now forced to live underground by giant mechs who roam the surface. Here in one of those many underground villages, we meet our hero, Simon with his daring leader, Kamina. The story, on an epic scale, is one of the most epic stories ever told in an anime. Simon and Kamina have one goal in mind: to break through to the surface. Then after that? To break through to the heavens. Then after that? To break through to the universe. Many characters join them on their epic journey to fight for their right to live on the surface of the Earth. No spoilers included, but the story soon takes a turn for the worse, leaving Simon and friends to face the whole universe. Every planet, every star, every galaxy out there, is now their enemy.

Character: 9/10

Here's where the anime shines. The most interesting character by far is Kamina. He's the most badass, the most resilient, and the most stubborn character you'll ever witness in an anime series. If you step out of line, he'll punch you right back and yell at you "If you don't believe in yourself, then believe in me. Believe in me, who believes in you!" Then there's Simon. After a huge turning point in the story, Simon finally makes that transition from being a boy, to being the leader of a whole new nation. However, I wished there was more development in some of the supporting characters as well.

Sound: 9/10

The soundtrack here has a little bit of everything. A little bit of hip hop, a little bit of orchestral music, a little bit of rock, a little bit of everything. The voices were greatly done, there wasn't any annoying voice that stood out. Everyone did their job well. The opening song is good, not outstanding, but it signifies the epicness of Gurren Lagann. Also, you absolutely cannot forget "Row Row Fight the Power!"

Animation: 10/10

No two frames are the same. When the developers say that they spent 45% of their budget on the last few episodes, I wouldn't doubt them. The animation could take a little while to adjust to at first, but later on, it just grows on you. The crazy fight sequences are fluidly animated. The anime is quite colorful despite its setting in an apocalyptic era. As expected of Gainax, animation is superb.

FluffyBunnyPwn gives it 9/10 overall.